QuestionOK. Thanks for taking the time to review my question.
I am in Virginia, and had an auto accident middle of November, no fault to me, the other driver ran a stop light and hit me while I was going straight at about 40 mph. I am 100/300 policy w/ med expense of 10K total. 00 Honda Accord totalled all airbags deployed. My legs were trapped between the dash/pedal area and where the engine was pushed back, and I experienced loss of conciousness briefly at the scene. I was taken by ambulance on a backboard to ER. Xrays were done of my full body and ct scans of my head, no fractures or internal injuries. Both feet and ankles sustained severe soft tissue injury. Also severe bruising to my entire body and about 6 weeks of neck and back pain. I had 2 GP visits, then was referred to an orthopedist. Did PT for 6 weeks 2-3 times per week. I had MRIs on both ankles. left ankle had 3 partially torn ligaments, but is doing well after PT, althought ligament tissue never heals itself, so I will sustain those tears for life. Right ankle had 7 partially torn ligaments and I still cannot walk without a brace and a cane because of this. Orthopedist says we will do surgery to repair ligaments in right ankle in 1 month if there is no improvement.
In the mean time, I was laid up in bed for 2 weeks initially and could not work, went back to work, but had to keep ankles elevated, so I worked on the couch in our conference room, which damaged my credibility with co-workers. I was delayed a very large promotion by 2 months. I am also diagnosed bipolar, and have had serious mood swings that have affected my work and family ever since the accident. It has gotten to a breaking point, and I will enter a partial mental hospitalization program tomorrow to try and straighten things out as my stability on meds was thrown into disarray ever since the accident.
My question is...do I get an attorney because this is so complicated of a claim? I used to be a bodily injury claims adjuster, so I originally thought I would work it out myself with the opposing insurance company, but now I don't know if I can really handle the stress of info gathering and negotiating.
Also, I had never handled an outcome of someone's preexisting mental illness becoming worse due to an accident, so I would like advice on how I should handle that. If it is thoroughly documented as becoming worse and having these consequences due to the accident, would it be considered in pain and suffering/medical bills?
Thank you for sharing your expertise.
AnswerHi Elizabeth,
I'm sorry to learn of the seriousness and complications of your injuries resulting from the accident.
With all your abilities as a former bodily injury claims adjuster, if you feel unable to handle the stress of trying to settle your claim, you definitely need to consult with and retain the services of a personal injury attorney.
Since you will be presenting evidence that the accident caused a preexisting condition to become worse, you should only secure the services of an attorney with trial experience. Due to the complications of your injury, the odds are extremely high that your case will eventually go to trial.
I hope this information has been of help and I do wish you a full recovery.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay Area
